Medishare Africa

The Medishare Africa (MA) is a Non-Governmental Organization started in January 2013. It is a non – partisan, non-profit making organization funded by partners and well-wishers. It is run by a Board of Trustees, which oversees an executive management team charged with the day-to-day running of the organization activities. Its main objective is to assist the poor and the underprivileged communities in Kenya by giving support on health related initiatives and projects among others. It was founded by Mr. Thomas Kilonzi who after having worked together in the NGO world for over seven years and having had firsthand experience of what communities go through in quest for better lives against the challenges they face daily, they decided to come together and use their experience as a resource to transform communities lives.

Having seen the kind of challenges mothers face while trying to look for water among other basic needs in the rural areas, it was very clear that it was a such tiresome experience and very difficult task especially for pregnant mothers. In Kenya, the provision of healthcare services is far below the expected international standards. The worst hit categories are the low income earners and those living below the poverty line. Their inability to access these services is occasioned by the high costs, poor road infrastructure, high inflation rates, rapidly growing population accompanied by increased demand for healthcare services among others.

The shortage of medical personnel, inadequate health facilities especially in the rural areas that are operated by unqualified personnel. Although they are cheaper than the mainstream hospitals, the services provided are sub-standard. The high prevalence and incidence of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, increase in incidences of water-borne diseases, high mortality rates among the under 5 years of age, low life expectancy justifies the establishment of more health facilities and equipping of them to better improve quality of life at the rural areas.

Since the introduction of free primary education the surge of pupils in schools has strained the limited physical facilities in schools. Mutua et al. (1992) reports that, in Kenya today, approximately 50% of all the country’s primary schools are housed in temporary or semi-permanent buildings; others are on split sites. Average class sizes rose from 40 to 70 while the facilities remained the same. In the rural areas most schools lack basic amenities like toilets and running water. Initially the parents through the committees oversaw the provision of the facilities required in the schools such as desks, learning materials, classrooms and the staff houses. The rationale behind educational planning and good management here is to ensure the meagre resources are properly utilized.

It was on this basis the Medishare Africa was born with the view of sharing resources with the rural communities to transform lives hence the theme: Advancing possibilities transforming lives. Later the founders decided to reach out to other like-minded professionals to establish a Board that is mandated to run the organization professionally.

Our vision

Creating a healthy, compassionate, vibrant and humane world where everyone’s basic needs are met.

Our mission

To ensure the Community Benefit Sector has practical tools for accomplishing those visionary ends by convening, engaging, mobilizing and supporting the sector, to ensure that the community has the means to make the world an amazing place.

Our Purpose

To assist the poor and underprivileged communities in Kenya to improve their local livelihood.

Our Ethics and Core Values

Among all our members, staff and volunteers countrywide, we strive to foster a shared commitment to reduce poverty as the driving force for all our operations. Our ethos is centred on:

Integrity: We are committed to the principles of truth and honesty, and we will be equitable, ethical, and professional.  

Professionalism:  We use a professional approach so as to ensure high quality work is achieved.

Respect: We respond to people in the most caring manner that emphasizes on their human and cultural dignity.

Leadership: We are dedicated to the efficient and effective use of resources. We accept the responsibility of the public’s trust and are accountable for our actions.

Efficiency & Sustainability: To effectively work in the most difficult of circumstances with the poor people and communities.

Innovation: To use innovation to tackle emerging challenges and obstacles at the community level.